NTSB recommends cellphone ban for teen drivers

So once again, Big Government is trying to step all over our right to endanger ourselves and others while barreling down the highway. First they forced us to wear uncomfortable seat belts, then our horns turned into tiny steering wheel buttons due to airbag requirements, and now they have the nerve to encroach upon our First Amendment right of free speech with laws limiting in-car cellphone usage. The National Transportation Safety Board, not content with killing our joyriding buzz with their many safety recommendations, has now suggested that federal legislators impose a ban on teenagers (well, all novice drivers really) chatting on their phones while driving. This new anti-teenage legislation is part of NTSB's "Most Wanted Safety Recommendations to States" list, which might as well be called the "Suggested Ways of Making Your Commute Even More Boring and Tedious" list. If this law does in fact go into effect there may be that familiar sense of I-told-you-so when accident rates actually go up, as teenagers segue into the much more dangerous activity of texting at 70 MPH.

[Rayner @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

In Norway it's mandatory to use a handsfree while you drive. For ALL citizens, old and young :)

On a side note:
It hasn't helped much, accidentfrequencies haven't decreased at all ..

[Brian @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

i wouldn't worry too much--cellular telephones will never catch on with the youth market. kids just don't think that they're 'cool.'

[Lon B @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

If anything it should be older people who need the ban. Older driver's become more lax in their attention of driving. I remember when I was a kid I was more concerned about not getting in an accident then I am now as an arrogant, experienced driver.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I would love to see how someone would do using a phone on their driving test. Just to see if they really can give as much attention to the road as someone who isnt on the damn phone.

Using a phone, for calls texts or anything should be banned while driving for all people of all ages.

[AJ @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I am sure teens would hate this kind of law but it could really save a lot of lives. A neighbor of mine had both of his parents killed in a car accident that involved a teenager blowing a stop sign because they were busy talking on a cell phone.

[Julian Bond @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Let them use Bluetooth (headsets)

[Abam @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

It is for all wirless communications, so this should include text messaging. From the NTSB's site, "Prohibit use of wireless communications devices by young novice drivers"

[Adam Lindsay @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Passing a law is only the first step, enforcing it is the second. NY has a ban on cell-phones but that doesn't mean it stops people. And why just teens? People need to be reminded that driving is a privledge and not a right. I personally think cup holders should be banned as well. Maybe then people would stop visiting McDonalds and actually sit and enjoy a meal. It could eventually lead to a thinner America. Not that weight is an issue.

[Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

While teenagers may have less experience, using cell phones while driving is a problem for everyone. And I believe you will find that texting is an actual "use" of cell phones.

[Finished.Law.School @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

How about a law banning drivers who are members of AARP? Elderly people are just as dangerous.

[WG @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Washington DC banned driving while cellphoning without a handsfree unit. I stopped counting how many cellphone driving maniacs I see on the way to work every day, babbling away, weaving in and out of traffic, or going 15 miles under the speed limit.

[Lost_Canadian @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Forget targeting a particular group. Ban it for everyone.

[Cal @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I agree with #2. Being a teenager myself, I can agree with the fact that I am more cautious because of fear in getting into an accident. But banning cell phones in cars? Why don't we just then ban food, drinks, radios, makeup, newspapers, books, and other people in the car while we are at it? Then we can fully get rid of all other distractions in the vehicle....

[Za @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

This hands-free unit is nonsense--the fact that you are holding a unit to your face is only a small part of the distraction. Plain and simple, you are trying to hold conversation while you should be paying attention to the road.

I live in NYS and am a teenager, and so this really doesn't mean anything different for me. I've read that cell phone usage can be just as if not more dangerous than driving while drunk. However, there's a key difference. You can always put the phone down/turn it off. No dice with the drink.

[Robin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I agree 100% with this. Most of the teens wrecks around here are due to drinking, cell phones, or speeding. Now they just need to inforce it.

[boss sauce @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

the big problem isn't so much teenagers talking-- that's more a grown up thing. I worry about how popular sms'ing is with these kids today-- "omg did u c dat stp sin? i dint..."

[Rob @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

It's a stupid idea to just ban one segement of the population. As if cops didn't already have a lot to look out for on the road. Now they have to determine whether the person talking is a teenager?

[Mike H @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Using mobiles whilst driving has been banned in the UK for a few months now. I doubt it's made any difference at all, except now you have to take your eyes off teh road to text on the mobile you're hiding down by your knees so the police don't spot it. We're still allowed to use handsfree kits for voice though, so that was a good market to be in about 6 months ago!!

Personally I think it's hypocritical to ban cellphones and not smoking. After all, if you have to drop a cellphone quickly to make an emergency manoeuvre, it's not going to burn your feet off, is it?

[Google Nazi @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

To #11:

banning makeup while driving i believe does exist. For one its an idiotic thing to do. As for the newspapers, and books... If your driving and your reading at the same time you deserve to get your car taken away from you because you have no sense driving. If your thinking they are taking the cell phone privillage away from everybody in the car you couldn't be more wrong. They mean for the driver only :P Some people often get that mixed up hahaha!

As for me, I am with the idea of banning cellphone usage while driving for teens. Most accidents are caused by areless women, but other then that it is teens. (chuckles in reality) I believe that you need to learn how to drive standard before stick shift and the same principles go with cell phone usage.

I just got out of my teen years and I entirely can relate to not being able to focus as much when driving, and it is like that for most people too. So why not make it safer? A 0.2cent call vs $42k+ of dammage has its differences.

However if they do ban the usage of cellphones for teens, I want to see auto insurance be lowered.

[Cyril @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Here in Europe its against the law to even hold your cellphone while driving. So chatting, texting or even looking up info is prohibited. A carkit/handsfree kit must be used by all times. It enormously lowered accidents. The maximum fine is about $1800 or a two day-jail.
Most of the europeans agree, as its simply safer for yourself and others.
If we get bored we listen to the radio, but hold our eyes on the road. Simple as that.

[blackf0rk @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I hate talking on phones, period. Let alone talking on them in the car. It gives me a headache - trying to focus on two things at once.

[Nate @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Where did engadget's photo for this article come from?

[homer @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

the fed actually making a law that makes sense? wow!

no one should be able to talk on the phone while driving...it's extremely dangerous. AND, it pisses me off and makes me want to run people off the road on purpose, so there's that safety issue too...

[Rafael @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Unfortunately, the human race has not evolved enough to be able to talk on a cell phone and concentrate safely on their driving. Studies have shown that driving while yapping on a cell phone is equivalent to a BAC of .05 which in some places will get you arrested and for good reason. Maybe in about 1000 years our brains would have evolved to be truly multitasking. Evolutionarily speaking, we only came down from the trees this morning. So c'mon, why don't you give the rest of us a chance to see another day and pull over to a safe spot if you need to use your cell phone.

[Rafael @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Unfortunately, the human race has not evolved enough to be able to talk on a cell phone and concentrate safely on their driving. Studies have shown that driving while yapping on a cell phone is equivalent to a BAC of .05 which in some places will get you arrested and for good reason. Maybe in about 1000 years our brains would have evolved to be truly multitasking. Evolutionarily speaking, we only came down from the trees this morning. So c'mon, why don't you give the rest of us a chance to see another day and pull over to a safe spot if you need to use your cell phone.

[Jayson Elliot @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Well, my car has an airbag, and the horn is still the whole center of the steering wheel...

Whatever.

I guess this is humor - the author's not ACTUALLY suggesting that teens holding their cell phones to their heads are actually just finding a safe way to commute in an interesting fashion, right?

[Sinan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Thank God. This needs to be done to all citizens. I hate seeing someone passing by me 75mph and talking to their box. I mean, what if tire blows? I don't want to be dead because you didn't react to your tire. I also think that food should be banned in cars, truckers are xception. If you are traveling coast to coast, stop somewhere in a restourant, eat your food and continue. It will make America thinner.

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Having a conversation with a passenger has proven to be just as distracting. Why wouldn't it be? But they can't really enforce that law... unless! OK All passengers must ride in a sound deprivation chamber... and radioactive scrambler waves are emited to jam all communication devices. It will mean no more Onstar or radio... but we'll be safer!

[Lohgan @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I think there should be a law that a teenage driver is REQUIRED to have their best friend riding a skateboard while sitting on the front bumper of the car. Not the hood, the bumper. And if you kill that kid, your next best friend is next to ride bumper. That would make them drive more carefully...or make them friendless.

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Its pretty obvious that the car should be smart enough to NOT deploy the airbags when a driver is using a cell phone during a crash. That would eventually solve this problem; one person at a time.

[hobgoblin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

while we are at it, lets ban children, car stereos, or for that matter passangers that isnt seperated from the driver by a soundproof wall.

basicly anything you have to pay attention to outside of the road can lead to a accident. this is just the same for young drivers as for old. to seperate them is just silly.

[Carrie @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

First of all, i am a teen and teens do think cell phones are cool. i just got my license and i think that while cell phones can cause accidents, they can also help you if u are in an accident. And what if some weirdo is following you? you can call for help with a cell phone. however i do think that cell phone usage should have some restrictions on it in the car.

[Google Nazi @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

To #29:

It isn't silly to ban things that cause more harm than good. (unfortunately cigaretts aren't banned) It is best to ban something that can significantly lower accidents. Everytime I see an accident in the paper or whatever its either DUI or on the cell phone. I nearly got into an accident many times because someone would be using her cell phone and not paying much attention.

To #30:

Obviously there are exceptions just like any other law. If you are being chassed by some crazy guy your cellphone obviously becomes a necessary and if your lucky enough a cop will be there to help you. If you get into an accident you can still use your cell phone, I mean why not? Well.. That is if your decapitated or unconcious. Just like having to drive your grandma when your 14 to the hospital when you don't have phone services, there are exceptions.

Tell me if you NEED to be on the phone while driving? You can't simply just use caller id or voicemail and call them back? Are they going to die if you don't talk to them? If so then I'm sure it would be an exception.

[thedvs01 @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I drive stickshift and can talk on the phone or eat a burger while I drive with no problems.

[David B @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Once again - non-US nations lead the way in introducing utterly sensible safety measures. In Australia it is already illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving - unless its being done in a hands-free manner. Speakerphone OK; regular calls and texting no.

Its enforced by standard traffic police - they see you on the phone, they pull you over. Easy.

I could be wrong, but I thought I saw some stats that this has reduced mobile-phone-related accidents (although accidents generally seem to have remained reasonably static).

Re:
"Why don't we just then ban food, drinks, radios, makeup, newspapers, books, and other people in the car while we are at it?"

Answer: if you are reading or putting makeup on whilst at the wheel, heaven help us all! That's certainly enough to sustain a dangerous driving charge. If, rather, you were talking about simply carrying those things in the car then you haven't read the proposal closely enough - it only bans use, not possession, of mobile phones whilst driving.

[granny down east @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

As a pilot, I regularly multi-task (aviate, communicate, navigate) while in the left seat. I do not find it difficult to keep speed up, enter the traffic pattern for the correct runway, adjust aircraft performance and give readback to the gal in the tower.

The difference is that under normal circumstances, pilots do not have to deal with close traffic like automobile drivers do. Hence, multi-tasking isn't as dangerous for pilots as it is for auto drivers.

I say, let's make a device that repels other auto traffic- keep 'em at least 15 car lengths and 5 car widths away- now that would be a really worthwhile GADGET.

[Nick @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

how about America catches up with the rest of the world and bans mobile useage for EVERYONE whilst driving.
Jesus Christ guys, its not rocket science.

[hobgoblin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

as a pilot you have more tools to help you, like say that autopilot that maintains speed, heading and altitude. and lets not forget that you have someone watching you and the rest of the traffic and that section of air, making sure that noone gets any closer then x distance.

to have something similar in a car one would need a computer that can not only drive based on a digital map and gps, but allso read local traffic indicators like when one lane is blocked and traffic have to be redirected to other lanes and so on.

a car to car communication system to would be nice. like say a wifi system so that one have indicators about what the car in front is doing even if one cant see the lights.

so if the car in front slams the breaks then it allso sends out a signal on its backwards facing antenna "breaking". if the computer is smart enough then it can start the breaking before the user even see the warning, much less reacts to it.

thing is tho that this will for some take all the fun out of driving...

[cecil @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Change the driving age to 18, make them take a year of classes (like in germany) and make it cost around 3 or 4 grand to get the damn license for the first time.

No driving with a cell phone until after at least 2 years real world driving expierience.

Increase requirements for mandatory MPG for consumer vehicles and limit size and weight. Declare a final date for SUVs without a specified real perpose to be off the road.

Handsfree only calls. Nationwide PSA campaign on the do's and dont's of cell phone use (use the money currently spent on ads trying to keep people off drugs). Use lots of gore and blood, crying mothers, significant others going histerical, etc. in these ads to make them grip the minds of the public.

Accellerameters (or whatever the hell they are called) installed in your cell phone to monitor call frequency and at what speed and whether or not you where using a handsfree device. This information automatically forwarded to your car insurance company monthly and your rate is adjusted accordingly. People who habitually initiate a call shortly after turning the key and talk the whole way home should pay the rate I paid in high school for car insurance damnit.

Teenagers today don't know how to 1. Talk 2. Use condoms 3. Not take drugs 4. Read 5. Work 6. Be responsible at all

Did I mention I could watch video of an SUV rolling and their stupid, shit-for-brains cell-phone talking, no-seat-belt wearing, seat pushed all the way back, driver being ejected all day long, over and over with a smile, ear to ear - with just one lingering question on my mind, where did they bury him/her so I can go piss on their grave.

[james @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Phone usage without a handsfree kit should be banned outright. UK has taken this approach.

[bill @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

Talking on a cell phone is no different than talking to someone next to you. In fact, you're less likely to look away from the road because there's nobody there to look at.

I agree with the notion that people should use hands-free, and more cars should come with phone connections/bluetooth so that calls can be received and sent without picking something up to dial. That's the stupidity of anti-cell laws requiring hands-free... You're still having to dial by hand in many cases and that's the biggest distraction.

In the end, it comes down to the sad reality than many people who are driving cars should not be. These people have limited attention scope and are unable to focus on multiple tasks regardless of it being a cell device, makeup, food, newspaper (I've seen it), PDA, water bottle, etc.

You can't make laws for people to have better mental and visual acuity. You can't knee-jerk law because there were a few high-profile media-covered tragedies. Fortunately, more cars coming with BT phone access like the Toyota Prius may see a downturn in hands-on cell use and perhaps cell related accidents. Laws certainly won't help... As evidenced by the states and countries were cell bans are in effect.

[bill @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

"Accellerameters (or whatever the hell they are called) installed in your cell phone to monitor call frequency and at what speed and whether or not you where using a handsfree device. This information automatically forwarded to your car insurance company monthly and your rate is adjusted accordingly. People who habitually initiate a call shortly after turning the key and talk the whole way home should pay the rate I paid in high school for car insurance damnit."

That's the kind of idiotic blanket big-brother garbage that is making life in this (and other) countries unbearable. Someone watching what you do and ready to arrest or charge you. NO THANKS.

...What if I'm a passenger? I get my insurance raised because the driver is going 70MPH? I guess if I was on a fast moving train or passenger airliner I'd REALLY get nailed, right?

Be responsible for YOURSELF, don't subject us all to your police state 'tit for tat' mentality. Your comment about pissing on the grave of the SUV driver underscores your crude hypocrisy - it's funny and OK to see someone die because they were careless, but let's give cell companies an ear and eye into our private lives so government and insurance co's can nail us for our habits.

Meanwhile, I'm sure you've never driven over the speed limit, grabbed a bite of something while on the road, turned to say something to a passenger, etc...

Yeah, you're a real paragon of right and wrong, pal.

[Ernest @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I personally support any laws that ban cell phone use outright while driving. Unless there is a threat of imminent danger, or some other type of immediate emergency that requires the use of a cell phone. Handsfree devices and accessories are great, and really neat, but they can create a 'tunnel vision' in most of their users, if not all of them. Most people unfortunately do not have the cognitive ability to talk on a cell phone and drive; these people wont realize this until it�s almost too late, or already too late. Personally I have almost been killed a few times while driving due to people driving down a highway talking on a cell phone with a handsfree device. I recommend everyone to read the site listed below, and follow the references and sources if you have any doubts.

http://www.drivenowchatlater.com/

[Ernest @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I personally support any laws that ban cell phone use outright while driving. Unless there is a threat of imminent danger, or some other type of immediate emergency that requires the use of a cell phone. Handsfree devices and accessories are great, and really neat, but they can create a 'tunnel vision' in most of their users, if not all of them. Most people unfortunately do not have the cognitive ability to talk on a cell phone and drive; these people wont realize this until it�s almost too late, or already too late. Personally I have almost been killed a few times while driving due to people driving down a highway talking on a cell phone with a handsfree device. I recommend everyone to read the site listed below, and follow the references and sources if you have any doubts.

http://www.drivenowchatlater.com/

[Brandon Hanisch @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

The ban is not a terrible idea, however it should be on everyone. I've seen so many soccer moms driving in their huge suburban talking on the phone with their little kids in the car. The soccer mom will either be driving 40 (in a 25) through the suburbs or extremely, sometimes dangerously, slow on the highway/roadways. This problem is throughout. Also, talking on a handsfree is almost identical to talking to someone in a car. Plus, many teens are used to multi-tasking (ex. doing homework with tv, music instant-messaging ect) more than older people. Also many teens have pretty much grown up with cell phones and are able to use them just as good...or better than the "over 18 year olds." The majority of the people I see on the phone that are actually driving the speed limit, using turn signals, ect are teens, because they are afraid of crashes, tickets ect...the people over 18 are really the ones that tend to speed out of control, no turn signals ect while on the phone.
Also, if there is such an emphasis on making the roads so safe...why not ban useless SUVs? How many people with Suburban, Tahoes...ect really use the off road abilities? They are a danger to everyone else on the road...cell phone or not... and on top of that are sucking up all the gas. The usual argument is that they are soo much safer in the snow. Why not buy a normal all wheel drive BMW, Audi, Volvo or Subaru? Many have better all wheel drive technology than the old "4x4"...switch on 4 wheel drive technology that the suvs have. All wheel drive cars are just as good..if not better in the snow as suvs. They also won't roll over at the same low speeds as the SUVs....and they won't completely squish the person they crash into like suvs do/will. Not to mention SUVs are just a bore to drive and have bad performance no matter the weather except with the few excepts such as the BMW X3/X5 and Volvo XC90 ect... Banning cell phones is not the answer...banning SUVs is.